Summer after summer of filling and knotting water balloons was taking the fun out of water balloon fights. So one Texas family took matters into their own hands and came up with a way to save time.

After some experimentation, engineer Josh Malone and his kids came up with a prototype of a prepackaged balloon set, which attaches to a hose. After a group of balloons are filled with water simultaneously, they tie themselves before falling off — in one minute.

"We've been pleasantly surprised. We knew people liked it, but we didn't know how much," he adds.

The original goal of $10,000 was quickly met and eclipsed by the $316,000 the campaign has raised in pledges in just a few days. The August and September deliveries sold out in 24 hours. Other backers will have to wait until next spring or summer to get their hands on the insta-water balloons. It's expanding into a full-time gig, and Malone says he's grateful for the online support, feedback, and buzz.

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